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HIGH COURT OF TRIPURA

_A_G_A_R_T_A_L_A_
WP(C)(PIL) No.09 of 2020
Court on its own motion
For Respondent(s) : Mr. D. Bhattacharya, G.A.

HON’BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE MR. AKIL KURESHI

HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE S. TALAPATRA

_O_ R_ D_ E_ R_
11/09/2020
(Akil Kureshi, CJ)

It is a matter of public knowledge that the number of conoravirus

cases in the State is steadily increasing and has reached a high figure. The

number of deaths related to cononavirus is also on the rise. Recent newspaper

reports particularly published in vernacular language have reported the plight

of the patients and relatives of those who have been tested positive of the virus.

Certain shortcomings in public health care system are projected.

We would not like to be guided solely by these newspaper reports

and would like to gather further information from the Government. While

recognizing the need to allow the Government to do its duty during these

difficult times, this Court is of the opinion that the time has come when the

Court needs to make inquiries from the Government with respect to the issues

revolving around the handling of coronavirus spread in the State and more

particularly of providing health care to those who are tested positive.

Quite apart from the newspaper reports which form part of the

compilation of the present proceedings, we also have the official figures of the
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hospital beds available in the State capital and in the different districts. A

cursory glance at these figures would show that as per the Government

declaration, there are in all 2865 hospital beds available across the State for

coronavirus patients, of these 240 seem to be available at AGMC and GBP

hospital, Agartala. As against this, on the date of publication of this data, there

were 279 patients at the said centre. In other words, the number of patients

admitted at the said centre was higher than the total number of beds available.

Further, in the entire State it appears that there are only 19 ventilators available,

all at AGMC and GBP hospital, Agartala. This would imply that all patients

with acute breathing problem and who are required to be put on ventilator,

would have to be shifted to Agartala. If such a situation develops suddenly,

shifting the patient from a remote area would be a challenge. We have also

come across a newspaper report published today in Daily Desher Katha

describing the plight of a corona patient who took discharge from AGMC and

GBP hospital in order to admit himself at ILS hospital, Agartala which is a

private hospital, but was refused admission.

These and various other issues require further examination.

Under the circumstances, let there be notice to the respondents, returnable for

18th September, 2020. The respondents shall file reply before the returnable

date, particularly providing the following details :

(i) The number of active corona cases in the State, if possible

with district wise break-up.

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(ii) The number of corona treatment centres with break-up of

which are fully equipped with necessary infrastructure, medicines

and medical and paramedical staff.

(iii) Whether there is any private hospital in the State which has

been given permission to admit coronavirus patients. If yes, the

maximum capacity of such hospital(s) to admit such patients and

the treatment charges which these hospitals have been authorized

by the Government to collect from the patients.

(iv) Some of the newspaper articles also report lack of

communication between the patients who are admitted and their

family members. The affidavit, therefore, shall provide the details

of steps taken by the administration to ensure that the relatives of

the patients are updated about the health condition and the

treatment being given to the patient as well as to ensure the

communication between the patient and his/her relatives.

(v) The affidavit shall also provide the details of the fund

allocation at different Government hospitals treating corona

patients. The break-up of the funds available for corona treatment

and treatment for other ailments if bifurcated shall be provided.

(vi) The affidavit shall also give the details of availability of

essential equipments such as oxygen supply devices, PPE Kits for

doctors and paramedical staff etc.

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(vii) The affidavit shall also contain details of availability of

doctors and paramedical staff at each corona treatment centre and

the assessed requirement of such medical and paramedical staff as

also the basis on which such assessment has been made by the

State.

(viii) We are sure the Government would address to the concerns

of the general public as are projected by the print media and take

such measures as are necessary to improve the condition in

Government treatment centres.

Mr. D. Bhattacharya, learned Government advocate waived

notice on behalf of the respondents. A copy of this order may be provided to

him immediately for communication to the respondents and for necessary

action.

(S. TALAPATRA), J (AKIL KURESHI), CJ

Dipesh